Helmeted Volunteers Keep Watch on Protests in Chile

In an article published by the New York Times,  the Chilean student protests have begun gathering crowds. There have been small troops of observers in blue or white helmets, armed with notebooks, cameras, voice recorders and gas masks ready to view the action. They have been observing and reporting what happens when the police come to break up the protests. They have also been helping to aid anyone who has been injured or abused.

These people have been referred to as “helmets”. They are everyday citizens of all ages who believe it is crucial that they are there to help. “This year the government has declared zero tolerance for school occupations, and has called in special police forces to clear the buildings. Hours or days later, the same schools are taken over again, and the police return, a cat-and-mouse pattern that often leads to violent clashes and hundreds of arrests. Meanwhile, small groups of radicalized students set up barricades, throw rocks and damage public and private property.”

These protests have become violent and police has resorted to using tear gas and chemical-laced water cannons to try and rid the crowds. They are also using their batons when arresting protesters. From the police brutality, students have endured head injuries, broken noses, and breathing problems, and some have been trampled by police officers on horseback. This is why these observers wear helmets.

These “helmets” get in contact with one another before a protest begins to divvy up tasks and make each other aware of the protest location. They arrive at these protests with their hard hats on but never interfere in the protests, they do not fight with the police, and they always use the buddy system; working in pairs.

Protest groups have even begun calling the “helmets” before they go out because they feel a sense of protection with them there. They know that the “helmets” will report accurately and let the police know when they are doing something illegal against the protesters.

 I feel like it is a great thing that this group is doing. They are there to help those in need when the police are using brutal tactics against these students. It also gives the students a sense of protection and they know that they are being heard and some people do care.

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